Your journey at a glance

Explore lively, irresistible Sri Lanka, boasting a rich and diverse cultural heritage that dates back to over 2 000 years, with Buddhism playing an integral part in its legacy. The Golden Triangle of Sigiriya, Kandy, Pollonaruwa and Anuradhapura stand on a strong foundation of religion. Not to be missed, these captivating destinations will entice your imagination with the fascinating Temple of the Sacred Tooth, the lofty enchanting Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the archaic city of Anuradhapura, resplendent with its “Tree of Enlightenment” and the intriguing historical kingdom of Pollonaruwa.

Meander through the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, once an enchanting respite for Kandyan royalty, and lose yourself in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, boasting lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and mist-shrouded mountains. Marvel at the magnificence of diverse wildlife including Asian elephants that can be seen in their hundreds at the Minneriya National Park.

A Sri Lanka vacation wouldn’t be complete without a few days spent unwinding on one of its pristine sandy beaches, so get ready to get your tan on and immerse yourself in golden paradise in Tangalle. Wander through the streets of Colombo and revel in stately colonial buildings, and significant religious places of worship including mosques, Roman Catholic churches, and Hindu and Buddhist temples peacefully neighbouring each other as the Colombo locals’ criss-cross paths on balmy streets.

1 night Horathapola Estate

2 nights Sigiriya

1 night Kandy

3 nights Hatton

3 nights Tangalle

1 night Colombo

What we love about this journey:

Delve into ancient history of the Golden Triangle at the ancient cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

Strap on your hiking boots and make your way to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Follow the leader on a specialised guided tour of the Dambulla Cave Temples

Cherish the sight of magnificently mammoth Asian Elephants in the wild

Explore verdant tea plantations and rainforest peaks

Discover the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

Languish in the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Revel in a scenic train journey to Hatton

Cherish a beautifully tranquil Tea Experience at Tea Trails

Cast your eye over picturesque Galle on your incoming flight

Absorb the fascinating sight and sounds on a privately guided tour of Colombo by car

Perfect for:

Wildlife and culture enthusiasts; photography fanatics; history buffs; families and small groups

The unforgettable journey featured here showcases just a few of our favourite combinations of activities, attractions and accommodation options in this iconic destination. It is merely an example from which you can use to start dreaming, and creating your own adventure. Chat to one of our dedicated Travel Planners, who will be able to help customise the ideal itinerary for you based on your interests, preferences and budget.

Journey Rate

What to expect…

Arrive in balmy Sri Lanka and head to Horathapola Estate
Day 1

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On your arrival you will be warmly met by an &Beyond representative and driven to Horathapola Estate, Wadumunnegedara. Hidden amidst the beautiful lush landscapes of rural Sri Lanka the Horathapola Estate is a plantation bungalow surrounded by a working organic coconut plantation dating back to the early 1900’s. A fully functioning organic coconut estate of roughly 50 acres this is the ideal place to start your journey and relax and unwind before you set out to explore the rest of the Island. Spend 1 night in Wadumunnegedra

Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura
Day 2

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Travel to the magnificent, venerable city of Anuradhapura and spend your day exploring the various sites with a specialist guide. Harking back to a bygone era, this sacred city of Anuradhapura was the pinnacle of Sri Lankan civilization. Meander through enormous bell-shaped stupas built of small sun-dried bricks, and various temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. Buddhism is a significant spiritual path here, and on holy days the streets brim with religious devotees who come from all corners of the island to pay homage to different sites.

Spend 2 nights in Sigiriya

Take a beautiful trip through the ruins, temples and history of Polonnaruwa
Day 3

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Discover the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, a prehistoric site containing the archaeological remains of ancient structures of governance, temples and statues that reflect the great works of the stunning Kings of Sri Lanka. After your rich experience visit the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Here, revel in the ‘The Gathering of Elephants’, a spectacular event which runs from June to October each year. Each day, a massive gathering of approximately 150 – 200 towering elephants emerge from the lush forest to congregate at the water’s edge at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks delighting in the fresh green terrain. This is an extraordinary opportunity to witness the incredible social dynamics of the Asian elephants.

Uncover Sigiriya’s sublime palace and fortress complex, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Day 4

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This magnificent Eighth Wonder of the World, as referred to by the locals, is an exquisite ancient palace and fortress complex. A site of immense significant archaeological importance, take your time and wander through the lavishly landscaped Royal Gardens and make your way to the summit. Here, the fascinating ruins of the royal palace have not crumbled and still stand. Explore archaic paintings of the King’s maids in waiting at the fresco gallery and the Mirror Wall revealing bygone transcripts similar to the Sinhalese language of today. An optional excursion to the Dambulla Cave Temple, one of the most magnificently preserved monastic temple cave complexes in Sri Lanka, is a treat. Read the walls with their rock paintings and marvel at 150 Buddha statues located in over 2000 square metres of colourfully painted walls and ceilings. A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Relic Temple, the most revered site in Sri Lanka is a must. While the tooth stays hidden within a gold casket, visitors and devotees always visit the temple during puja, the prayer session, just to glimpse the well protected inner shrine where it is housed.

Spend 1 night in Kandy

Meander through the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, a glorious expanse of trees, flowers and pathways
Day 5

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A vibrantly colourful montage of over 4 000 different species of plants and flowers is found at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Delight in this magnificent landscape, and as you wonder the verdant green expanse be greeted by beautiful bushes, fragrant flowers and lofty trees. There is an immense amount of beauty here and stunning highlights include an enchanting collection of orchids, hardy Burma bamboo, and an impressive avenue of striking royal palms. An enormous Javan fig tree sits on the emerald lawn and presents a gigantic trunk and a lovely shady canopy of branches.

Spend 3 nights in Hatton

Relish an authentic Ceylon Tea Trails Tea Experience
Day 6

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Embark on a glorious Ceylon Tea Trails Tea Experience with the resident planter, and discover the age-old tea making process. Walk in the footsteps of the planters who traversed the lush trails before you, seeking out luscious slopes in the impenetrable jungle on which to plant tea. Incredible beauty sweeps across the valleys and hills and tea-pickers select leaves and buds with their nimble hands. A tea tradition that has remained unchanged over centuries, appreciate the hand crafted art of tea as you end off your tour sipping on delicious varieties and grades of this delicious brew. Relish tea-infused cuisine, treat yourself to tea based spa treatments, and trek on tea-laden trails absorbing the artistry of this comforting drink.

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation in English gardens abundant with old-world charm
Day 7

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Spend your day doing whatever you want in blissfully perfect surroundings. Take a leisurely wander through the beautiful Ceylon tea gardens or embark on an adventure trek up verdant slopes, a delightful way to delve into diverse terrain, colourful birdlife, and dense foliage. Savour sweeping vistas of shimmering mountain lakes, charming doll’s house villages and enchanting misty forests. Make sure to utterly spoil yourself at the scrumptious afternoon high teas in flourishing, colourful gardens. Take the time to rest and relax in one of the luxurious bungalows, perfectly enveloped in warmth from a crackling wood fire, watching as the captivating mists rolls across the landscape.

Relax at Amanwella, a tranquil hideaway set in a cove on Sri Lanka’s southern coast
Day 8

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This morning, transfer to Castlereigh Reservoir and board your domestic scheduled flight to Koggala. You will then be driven to Amanwella, Tangalle. This contemporary haven, nestled in a coconut grove, offers exquisite views of a powdery white crescent-shaped beach.

Embrace the tranquillity of the gentle waves and rustling coconut palms in Tangalle
Day 9 & 10

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Your next two days are for pure relaxation. Sink into a traditional warm-oil Ayurvedic treatment eliminating impurities from the body, or a gentle head massage using meditative deep strokes. In between delightful soothing therapies spend your days frolicking in the aquamarine waves and squelching your toes in the golden sand with coconut fronds fanning you with a gentle breeze. Splash around in your private plunge pool, play a fun game of backgammon in the guest lounge, and recline further into relaxation as you sip colourful cocktails and delight in views of the sparkling ocean.

Spend 3 nights in Tangalle

Revel in Colombo, teeming with a vibrant and intoxicating mix of cultures, history and diversity
Day 11

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Take in the colourful, bustling sights and sounds of Colombo, a melting pot that best reflects a modernised Sri Lanka. A city of contrasts, it is both an eclectic mix of shiny hotels and swanky office blocks, neighbouring beautiful red-tiled colonial-era buildings. Sprawling bustling street markets brim with fragrant spices, colourful silks, cottons and fresh fruit and vegetables. Discover Colombo’s multi-ethnic legacy with churches, mosques and temples congregating on the same streets, and delve into iconic sites including Fort Station, the Red Mosque, and the Khan clock tower. Plunge into Colombo’s enticing street food scene, eat like a local, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and aromas of the whirling Pettah Bazaar.

Spend 1 night in Colombo

Depart Colombo Sri Lanka for your international flight onwards
Day 12

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After a leisurely delicious breakfast you will be driven to Colombo Airport for your international departure onwards.